Mozambican singer Humberto Luís surprised his fans this afternoon when he was the target of a social media rumor announcing his death. The false news spread quickly, generating great concern among his followers. However, Humberto took to the same platforms to reassure everyone, confirming that he is alive and well.
In a clear and direct message, he stated: "I DIDN'T DIE, I'M ALIVE AND IN VERY WELL HEALTH. THIS IS FAKE NEWS THAT SAYS I WOULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE TODAY. TO THOSE WHO CREATE THIS TYPE OF NEWS, I ASK: IS IT REALLY THAT, TO GET LIKES, COMMENTS, IN SHORT, ENGAGEMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA, ANYTHING GOES?"“
The false information began circulating about two hours before his demonstration, and in that short period, Humberto had already received more than 20 calls from concerned friends and family.
The phenomenon of spreading unverified news has become increasingly common on social media. For Humberto Luís, the reason behind such behavior is clear: the pursuit of likes and engagement.
“"What would lead people to commit this kind of act?" asks the singer. According to him, the desire for visibility on social media is the main reason for the creation of rumors like this. However, Humberto also invites his followers to reflect on the limits of this quest for engagement: to what extent is it worth sacrificing truth and ethics to gain more interactions on social media?
Fake news, especially that involving someone's death, has a devastating effect. It not only causes distress to family and friends but also puts the emotional well-being of the person involved at risk. In Humberto Luís's case, the rapid spread of this rumor generated panic among those who knew him, prompting him to personally clarify the truth.
This incident serves as a clear example of the dangers that misinformation can cause in the digital environment. Social media, despite its great potential for connecting people, can easily become a tool for spreading panic and misinformation when used irresponsibly.
Responsibility in Sharing Information
Humberto Luís's case highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it. In a digital age where fake news can spread in minutes, it's crucial that social media users understand their responsibilities when sharing content.
While reassuring his fans, Humberto Luís urges everyone to reflect on their use of social media. Integrity, respect, and truth must always prevail over any attempt to gain popularity or digital engagement.
